The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where sentinels of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard") maintain a continuous, 24-hour watch...
A 24-hour, round-the-clock guard has been maintained without interruption since July 2, 1937 (preceded by a daytime-only guard starting in March 1926). The soldiers belong to The Old Guard (3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment) and undergo rigorous training, memorizing extensive history and executing a precise 21-step marching ritual. The vigil continues through all weather conditions—including blizzards, hurricanes, and national emergencies.
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The tomb was dedicated on November 11, 1921, to honor an unidentified American soldier from World War I. The white marble sarcophagus holds an unidentified World War I soldier, alongside crypts for unknown service members from World War II and the Korean War were later buried.
At first, it was guarded only during the day. Since midnight on July 2, 1937, sentinels have stood watch 24 hours a day, through blizzards, heat waves, hurricanes and even the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 1948, the guards have come from the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.”
Every detail of their walk is precise. A sentinel takes 21 steps across the mat, pauses for 21 seconds, then turns and repeats, a reference to the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor. Becoming a guard is extremely difficult. Soldiers must memorize pages of cemetery history and pass strict tests on their uniform and conduct. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is often said to be one of the least-awarded badges in the US Army.
Complete silence and respect are strictly expected of all visitors on the plaza, and sentinels are authorized to verbally address anyone disturbing the solemnity of the memorial.
A Vietnam War unknown was buried at the tomb in 1984. In 1998, DNA testing identified him as Air Force pilot Michael Blassie, and his crypt has remained empty ever since.
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